Earthquake at Fenerbahçe: coach resigns and president rejects it

Fenerbahçe experienced a real earthquake after drawing 1‑1 against AS Roma in the first round of the Champions League, when coach Ismail Kartan announced his resignation at a press conference, a decision that President Aziz Yildirim rejected immediately.

The match opened with Bryan Cristante's goal for Roma before halftime, but the Turkish side secured the draw at the start of the second half thanks to Archie Brown, assisted by Mason Greenwood.

Coach's Resignation

After the final whistle, Kartal said: “Tonight I have left my position” and added that his departure aimed to “clear the way for my club” and that he would never return. The surprise was amplified when he announced his resignation in the conference room of the Chobani Stadium.

Bottle Incident

During the match, a water bottle was thrown at Kartal’s head, an incident that, according to the president, prompted the coach’s resignation. Yildirim explained that the incident was the reason for the decision and that the coach was sad about it.

President Aziz Yildirim, however, stated that he had no prior knowledge of the resignation and that “Kartal will remain at the club.” He reiterated that “As long as I remain president, Kartal is the coach of Fenerbahçe.”

Yildirim also criticised the media pressure and attacks on social media, assuring that the club will not succumb to external pressure and that the 1‑1 draw does not justify such a drastic reaction.

The future of Ismail Kartal remains uncertain, as the president insists that the coach stays in charge, while fans and the media continue debating the team’s direction after the episode.